吃瓜头条 continues to stand tall as a hub for cutting-edge research and postgraduate excellence, with its scholars making remarkable strides under global partnerships such as The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS). On Tuesday, 28th October 2025, the University hosted Ms. Payal Patel, Assistant Programmes Manager, and Mr. Giovanni Ortolani, Public Information Officer, representatives from TWAS, for an engaging visit that brought together former grantees, early-career scientists, and postgraduate students in a knowledge-sharing forum.
The event, which included a public lecture, an experience-sharing session, and a laboratory tour, highlighted how the TWAS funding model has transformed individual research journeys while advancing Kenya鈥檚 contribution to global science.
Empowering Homegrown Scientific Leadership
Speaking during the session, Prof. Ezekiel Njeru Mugendi, a biochemistry expert and former TWAS grantee based in the Department of Zoological Sciences, shared his inspiring story. After completing his PhD in 2014, Prof. Njeru secured his first TWAS grant, which enabled him to purchase a high-powered microscope,a resource that revolutionised his laboratory research.
A later grant in 2022 supported the acquisition of a KUKT8 Scan Incubator, an advanced piece of equipment used for controlled biological and chemical experiments, often essential in microbiology and drug development. Through this funding, he was also able to support one of his PhD students, a testament to the ripple effect of sustained research investment. 鈥淭WAS opened doors that went beyond equipment, it built a research ecosystem,鈥� he noted.
Prof. Michael Gicheru, Executive Dean of the Graduate School, emphasised that postgraduate training at 吃瓜头条 is anchored on innovation and impact. 鈥淥ur graduate programmes, particularly in the sciences, aim to produce scholars who not only publish but also solve real-world problems,鈥� he said.
He highlighted the University鈥檚 commitment to providing a supportive environment for early-career researchers, many of whom have benefited from international partnerships like TWAS that fully cover research costs, foster collaborations, and connect scientists to global networks.
Fostering Collaboration and Capacity Building
Dr. Paul Magiti, Director of the National Phytotherapeutics Research Centre (NPRC), spoke about his experience as a pharmacist and drug discovery specialist. He explained that the TWAS African鈥揋erman Mobility Programme targets scholars from Sub-Saharan Africa, providing a platform for up to 60 scientists annually to conduct joint
research with international counterparts.
鈥淭he goal is to turn brain drain into brain gain, bringing back expertise to local institutions where it matters most,鈥� Dr. Magiti remarked. 鈥淭hrough TWAS, we鈥檙e seeing scientists return home and create sustainable research solutions for their communities.鈥澛� Since 2022, 121 scientists have been awarded TWAS grants under this framework, with many advancing to leadership roles in academia and research institutions.
Dr. Naomi, an Associate Professor and one of KU鈥檚 earliest TWAS beneficiaries, recalled receiving her first grant between 2013 and 2015, which supported the development of a nanobiosensor, a technology that detects biological and chemical substances at microscopic levels. Her later grant, in collaboration with USIU, focused on water filtration innovations, extending the impact of her earlier work.
Similarly, Mr. Evans, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Chemistry, shared how TWAS support has strengthened the university鈥檚 ability to link academic research with industry, producing practical solutions that benefit society.
Sustaining the Momentum
Dr. Jacob Omolo, Director of Research and Capacity Building, underscored that the University鈥檚 partnership with TWAS aligns perfectly with KU鈥檚 strategic focus on building sustainable research ecosystems and fostering innovation-led growth.
鈥淓very grant, every collaboration, and every mentorship opportunity is part of a larger vision, to make 吃瓜头条 a leading centre of postgraduate research excellence in Africa,鈥� he concluded.
About TWAS and the Visit
The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) is a global science organization that supports sustainable development through research, capacity building, and collaboration across the Global South. During her visit, Ms. Payal Patel interacted with KU grantees, delivered a public lecture on 鈥淔unding Pathways and Research Opportunities with
TWAS for Early-Career Scientists,鈥� and toured research laboratories showcasing innovations in microbiology, biotechnology, molecular biology, chemistry, physics, and agriculture.
Her engagement underscored TWAS鈥檚 growing commitment to nurturing Africa鈥檚 next generation of scientists, turning ideas into impactful discoveries.